Decor for narrow hallway


10 essential design rules for making a long space seem wider |

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

If you have ever had to look for narrow hallway ideas, then you’ll be more than aware of the tricky task of making it a long hallway look wider than it actually is, while desperately searching for interior designer tricks to make your entryway appear warm and welcoming. 

You’ve probably spent hours trying out different hallway ideas, rearranging furniture, choosing paint colors and deliberating on rug styles in a frenzied attempt to make your small hallway look more spacious, light and airy.

Do not panic – with some clever tricks of the trade, there are in fact multiple small hallway ideas that wall help turn that awkward hall layout into something stylish and sophisticated, so don’t give up just yet.

Narrow hallway ideas 

Give your narrow hallway a much-need update with our curated selection of interior design-approved layouts, hallway paint ideas, lighting inspiration and more.

1. Be fussy with furniture in a narrow hallway

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Hallway storage ideas and furniture can be a cumbersome business, especially in a narrow room, so it pays to invest in the best possible solutions. 

One great way to make the most of a smaller hallway is by using multi-functional furniture, like a bench that can be used as a storage unit, console tables with drawers and folding chairs that can be tucked away when you don’t need them. 

Another important pointer is to place large pieces of furniture against walls so the open space in the middle is not broken up. Scale the furniture to fit the size of the room and don’t block walking pathways.

2. Light up a small space

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

Light will help to brighten up a narrow hallway instantly, so first and foremost allow any natural light to stream indoors by taking down heavy, dark window treatments. 

If natural light is non-existent in your corridor, instead look to hallway lighting ideas and have an electrician install statement chandeliers, wall sconces and table lamps for a dose of illumination.

Dark corners can make a hall appear small and cramped, so position a floor or table lamp in a bare corner to visually expand the area, while recessed ceiling lights can illuminate an entire room without eating into the space.

3. Stick to a monochromatic color palette

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

Striking, cool and confident, gray and white is always a winning combination when it comes to narrow hallway ideas. Create a perfect balance of the two neutrals, by using equal amounts of each. It will give a bright and fresh look for day, together with a dramatic and tailored look for night. 

Introduce pattern and character with gallery wall ideas, such as these sophisticated framed photographs, and keep the rest of your furniture and accessories plain and understated for a contemporary aesthetic.

4. Hang up a mirror in a small entrance

(Image credit: Mark Bolton / Future)

Not surprisingly, mirrors can make a hall or foyer appear more spacious. Hang a large mirror on a wall opposite a window or very near one to reflect the outdoors, broadening the feel of your room. 

Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter during the day – and at night they bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger. 

5. Use paint to visually enlarge a narrow hallway

(Image credit: Future)

You can visually widen a long, narrow room by painting a wall at the end a darker color than the other opposite and adjacent walls. The gradation of shade and color of paint on opposing walls can either lengthen distance by using a lighter shade, or shorten a distance with a darker shade. 

Light colors such as creamy white or light gray help to brighten a room, making it appear larger and wider. Plus, you can also paint horizontal stripes on a wall to make a room feel wider, or vertical stripes to make the space feel taller.

6. Play to proportions in a long hallway

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Long hallways rarely feel homely, but there are tricks you can use to zone the space to make it feel far cozier.  

A rug can visually draw together the furniture in a space, giving a room focus and adding comfort. While a focal point that contrasts with the rest of the scheme can be visually interesting, disguising the awkward layout – something like a statement piece of art, console or striking pendant.

7. Display oversized wall art

(Image credit: Polly Eltes / Future)

Wall decor ideas that feature too many pictures and other wall hangings tend to make a room feel closed in, so simply hang one large piece of artwork on your wall to make the room feel wider. 

Avoid hanging art too high on the longer wall as it will just highlight the imbalance in the proportions. Instead, choose art that can sit wide but low over the console for example, to bring the eye level down and help make the room seem wider.

8. Use paint to create a focal point

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

When decorating a small hallway, create a focal point with hallway paint – one area that will draw the eye, so there’s less emphasis on the room’s narrow layout.  

As long as your ceiling is painted in a paler color than your walls, no matter what the color, your ceilings will feel higher, helping a narrow room feel more spacious

9. Pay attention to scale  

(Image credit: Paul Raeside / Future)

Select furniture pieces that are in proportion to the size of your entrance. Oversized consoles, chairs and entry table decor ideas can make a small hallway feel narrow, while furniture that is the same color as your walls tends to blend into the wall, making it look wider.

Another clever trick is to arrange your furniture at an angle to create a sense of depth to the room – otherwise if you place all furniture against the walls you might end up with a 'bowling alley' look.

10. Keep a narrow space free from clutter

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti / Future)

If there’s one thing that’s going to create the illusion of more space in a narrow hallway, it’s decluttering.  Make sure you keep your room organized by removing unnecessary items, and your space will instantly feel bigger – and more welcoming.

Try and keep the floor as clear as possible, too, as it’s one of the easiest ways to maintain a sense of spaciousness. Remove any oversized rugs and plants, and factor in hallway shoe storage to ensure footwear doesn't accumulate.

How do you decorate a narrow hallway?

When decorating a narrow hallway, often a less-is-more approach pays dividends, so do start by highlighting the strengths of this small space. 

Many narrow hallways are lacking in light. Try to turn yours into something more than a transitional space – significant changes such as replacing a solid wall with striking Crittall windows will allow light to be borrowed from adjoining rooms, while updating a front door with larger glass panels will illuminate the area. 

Additional tweaks such as a well-planned lighting scheme can be just as impactful. Choose a layered approach, adding subtle dimmable recessed lights and pendants combined with the subtle glow of table lamps. 

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

25 Smart Hallway Decorating Ideas - How to Decorate a Hallway

Style

Ideas & Inspiration

by Kelsey Mulvey

updated Apr 3, 2022

SavePin It

See More Images

Nothing says, “welcome to my home” like an entryway and hallway. While this space may seem inconsequential, in reality it sets the tone for your entire home when visitors arrive. What’s more, a well-styled hallway can draw a visitor’s eye into your abode, leaving them eager to share your space with you.  

For more content like this follow

It doesn’t matter if you live in a city apartment or a spacious place in the suburbs, there’s probably something you can do to spice up your main hallway and entryway. Most hallways aren’t large enough for a full scheme of furniture and accessories, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a well-placed console table, or even some clever storage options. 

Believe it or not, your entry or hallway still has a lot of design potential. You just need to learn how to style this small space to your advantage. To help you in that endeavor, we’ve rounded up the smartest hallway decor ideas. From the best entryway paint colors to top plants for low-light apartments, you’re bound to find an idea here that can work for your space, whether it’s long and narrow or small and wide.

SavePin It

See More Images

1. Unexpected patterns

Sure, you want to impress visitors when they first enter your home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with bold colors or patterns. This tiny UK home does just that, with a dramatic tropical wallpaper that offsets a very different striped pattern on the stair carpeting. 

SavePin It

See More Images

2. Modern farmhouse

A dark, boring hallway in a 1950s Colorado home gets a dramatic makeover, complete with neutral gray batten board walls, updated hardware on the doors and lighting and white doors instead of the glossy wood tones that have come to look so outdated. 

SavePin It

See More Images

3. Shades of blue

We love hallway decor ideas that incorporate clever pops of color. This one, from Anne Chicheportiche’s home, comes together expertly with a hallway carpet that coordinates with a set of blue doors at the end of the hall, and a gallery of art that also includes various shades of blue. 

SavePin It

See More Images

4. Orange and blue

This clever hallway redo by @colourfulnumber12 gives a mid-century vibe to the space, with a circular mirror placed above a slim console table. A tiny table like this is one of our favorite hallway decor ideas, since it lends character and adds storage at the same time. 

SavePin It

See More Images

5. Expertly incorporated seating

A place to sit down and remove your shoes upon entering your home is a great idea, which is why a low-profile place to sit like the one shown here is a great hallway decor idea. This neutral-colored bench blends perfectly with this beige and black space. 

SavePin It

See More Images

6. Bold tiles

This homeowner took a potential eyesore in the form of a black heater, and made it part of a beautiful grand scheme by incorporating bold, black and white tiling and a black-rimmed circular mirror. 

SavePin It

See More Images

7. Modern and geometric

When it comes to hallway decor ideas, mirroring a shape seen elsewhere in the home is a great option. We love how this slim console table perfectly mirrors (both in shape and color) the rectangular door that sits just beyond it. Pretty cherry blossoms and visually interesting lighting bring this look together perfectly. 

SavePin It

See More Images

8. Make a statement with mirrors

Want to fake your way to a more spacious hallway? All you need is a reflective surface. “Adding a mirror at the end of a narrow hallway will make a typically dark space feel lighter and larger,” says Liana Thomson, an accessories product developer at home decor retailer EQ3. Take a cue from this suburban retreat by adding a small, circular mirror to your mix. This option makes a pretty, sculptural statement without overwhelming the rest of the space.

SavePin It

See More Images

9. Style with shiplap

Recreate the look of this modern Louisiana farmhouse in your home by covering your hall walls in shiplap. “Not only does shiplap make a space look more important and special, but it also adds durability,” says designer Michelle Gerson. “Adding shiplap to the walls is a cool way to make the hallway feel like an extension of the design of the house.” A practical, pretty, and space-efficient way to pack on the style? Chip and Joanna Gaines would definitely approve.

SavePin It

See More Images

10. Repeat your light fixtures

If you want to give a slim entry some pizazz, choose your light fixtures with care. “The addition of sconces provide repetition and visual interest while also setting the tone upon entering,” says designer Lauren Nelson. “Sconces offer ambient lighting, which is much more inviting than recessed cans (much like the effect of candles in the old days).” A sconce can give your place plenty of personality. In this New York City rental, the stacked geometric fixture oozes of old school, Art Deco glamor and gives guests a hint of what decor is to come in the rest of the home.

SavePin It

See More Images

11. Pick out a pendant

We love the idea of playing around with lighting if you’re looking for hallway decor ideas. Speaking of lighting, you can always wow visitors by adding a single statement pendant to your foyer. In this charming English home, a rattan pendant lends the formal-looking hallway a cool, coastal edge.

SavePin It

See More Images

12. Add accessories

If you have a few extra hats and bags on hand, borrow some “style” from your closet by hanging a few pieces in your entry, as seen in this Orange County-based crib. Not only will this option add some texture to your walls, but you’ll also be less likely to leave without these key pieces as you head out the door!

SavePin It

See More Images

13. Create storage with a console

Just because entries are notoriously small doesn’t mean you can’t fit in some furniture. “I always use the hallway as a landing place,” says designer Sarah Wilson, owner of Chansaerae Designs. “Set up a table where you can unload as you come in.” A console table, like the one seen in this Barcelona home, offers some extra storage and keeps the space from feeling too sterile—that’s a win-win in my book.

SavePin It

See More Images

14. Keep your console clear

While a slim console table can amp up an entry, there’s always the risk that it’ll make your small space feel cluttered. Get the best of both worlds with a transparent table. “If you have a hallway that seems wide enough for a console table, opt for a thin, acrylic one,” says Alessandra Wood, interior design expert at Modsy, an e-design company. This will allow light to pass through and keep your hallway feeling open and accessible while still giving you a spot to drop keys.” This Brooklyn Heights home takes this clear storage to the max by slipping a woven basket underneath the table.

SavePin It

See More Images

15. Get a gallery wall

One of the best hallway decor ideas we’ve come across? Turn your unassuming hall or entry into a museum-worthy masterpiece by creating a gallery wall. “I love when I see hallways used to display a full collection of art,” Wood shares. “This seemingly small space can house a ton of art and become a passageway for inspiration.” With art as far as the eye can see, Kate Beebe’s maximalist hall proves this point—and is an anything but boring way to set the tone when you enter her home.

SavePin It

See More Images

16. Round up some rugs

Fun, eye-catching rugs can make great hallway decor ideas. While a single runner will pack a punch, this New Orleans home utilizes a set of two vintage rugs for a unique look. The varying patterns offer visual interest, but the similar color palettes keep the look cohesive. Even if you don’t have a lot of room for furniture, you can certainly pull off a small rug.

SavePin It

See More Images

17. Prioritize pops of color

Sometimes a little bit of color is just what the design doctor ordered. “Painting the ceiling is a fun way to add dimension into a hallway,” says designer Ginny Macdonald. “It will draw the eye up and elongate the space.” Instead of using one shade, incorporate the hallway decor idea of  creating a cool, ombré effect with multiple hues as seen in this Barcelona space above. The result? A hallway you’ll actually want to stay in and look around—and not just pass through.

SavePin It

See More Images

18. Go to the dark side

Turns out painting with dark colors does have its perks—especially when decorating your entry or hall. “You could also paint the ceiling and the walls in a moody color and play with the fact that the hallway is dark,” Macdonald says. “Painting it white, especially if it has no natural light, could actually make it feel more gloomy, as the white has nothing to bounce off. Playing into the darkness will make it feel cozy.” In Lori LaMont and Monte Weiss’s Long Beach apartment, you can see this principle at play, where they embraced a deep blue wall color for their windowless hallway but punctuated that darkness with orange pendant lights and crisp, white trim.

SavePin It

See More Images

19. Finish it off with floating shelves

Looking for hallway decor ideas for stowing your mail or apartment keys? Add some wall storage to your hall. “Floating shelves can be a good option if you have a wider hallway that could use some much-needed depth and pizazz,” says designer Breegan Jane. “They can be functional without taking up any floor space.” Not only is this trick space-efficient, but this is one DIY project that can be done in an hour. Use Amber Guyton’s tiny bungalow above as your inspiration.

SavePin It

See More Images

20. Layer in a storage ladder

If the mere thought of drilling holes into your wall makes you nervous that you’ll lose your security deposit, lean a ladder-like shelving unit against your wall instead. Not only is the ladder in this Barcelona house tour equal parts pretty and practical, but it’s also from IKEA!

SavePin It

See More Images

21. Try tiles

Small space dwellers, take note! If you want to carve out an “entryway” from the rest of your home, fake its footprint by laying down some tiles. This Scandinavian sanctuary nails this idea with a fun patchwork of designs that stick to a cohesive color palette. Living in a rental? You can get the look with peel-and-stick tile decals or temporary vinyl tiles.

SavePin It

See More Images

22. Style out a shelfie

Have a hallway with charming nooks or niches? Put those built-ins to good use by creating a shelfie brimming with personality. With a cactus, colorful books, and a seriously impressive matchbook collection, we can’t help but smile whenever I look at this Scandi-inspired space.

SavePin It

See More Images

23.

Fill it with foliage

Aspiring plant parents will find a lot to love about “Plant Doctor” Hilton Carter’s Baltimore abode. His 1,000-square-foot home features over 200 plants—including a hallway with a propagation wall. Go ahead and embrace your green thumb by copying this look.

SavePin It

See More Images

24. Try a tapestry

If you want to give your walls some love but aren’t ready to commit to a full gallery wall, add a few tapestries. I love the simple pair hanging in this Philadelphia pad. Not only can this trick give your walls some much-needed texture and visual interest, tapestries can also strike a balance between subtleness and statement if you select them carefully.

SavePin It

See More Images

25. Layer your ledge

The key to a design-savvy entry or hallway is making the most of the architecture you have. This Swedish space doesn’t have statement light fixtures or whimsical wallpaper, but the addition of a few plants and pottery pieces to the windowsill turns up the charm in an otherwise fairly quiet room.

SavePin It

See More Images

26. Embrace an accent wall

Adding an accent wall might be one of the oldest tricks in the design book; however, it’s still a solid way to spruce up your hallway or entryway. Convinced accent walls are played out? Check out the cool alternative from this Spanish home above. The stark contrast between the pink and black hues makes a big statement without the need for excess ornamentation.

SavePin It

See More Images

27. Make a makeup mecca

If you’re looking for hallway decor ideas that make the end of a slim hall feel less, well, abrupt, add a compact vanity table. In this pretty Philadelphia pad, a small table and faux fur stool give this otherwise sterile space a fun, cozy feel. Plus, this kind of setup can double as a desk when you work from home.

SavePin It

See More Images

28. Bring on the books

Looking for the best hallway decor ideas for bookworms? Add some square shelves to your entryway. The low-slung cubbies seen in this North Carolina home can hold a lot without making the space appear cluttered. You can always sub in some baskets and bins, too, if you want some covered storage.

SavePin It

See More Images

29. Dress up your door

The quickest and easiest way to spruce up your entry? Paint the inside of your front door a bold hue. When one couple used this trick in their New York City apartment, they ended up with an unapologetically stylish moment—whether they’re coming or going.

Design of a narrow hallway in an apartment: 110 photos in the interior

It's great when guests enter a spacious hall right from the doorstep. But this pleasure is not for typical apartments. In Khrushchev, Brezhnevka, and even some new buildings, the entrance area is often a small cramped pencil case. How to arrange a harmonious design of a narrow hallway in an apartment, we will tell in this article.

All about designing a long hallway

Main problems
Design tips
— Light palette
- Box effect
— Minimalism
— Gloss and mirrors
— High openings
- Multiple zones
— Furniture by size
— Proper lighting
Project examples
— Laconic classic
— In gray tones
— Blue walls and stucco

Instagram @byswetka_home

The design of a small narrow hallway in an apartment (photo below) should solve all these issues.

16
a photo

Instagram @arhint.ru

Instagram @in_myhome.vn

Instagram @bychkovi_design_interior

Instagram @irooms.design0071

This is the easiest way to visually expand the space, add air to it.

Instagram @dotspoints

Since the entrance area gets dirty quickly, don't make it crystal white. Choose non-staining shades: cream, beige, sand, gray. It is also not necessary to use only light colors. Place accents with individual objects or paint one wall in a darker color - you get an interesting contrast, and the interior will become more voluminous.

By the way, use color play to visually change the proportions of the narrow hall. For example, paint smaller walls with light paint, and long ones with dark paint. This technique is based on the basic properties of colors: everything light seems larger than it is; everything dark is less.

fifteen
a photo

Instagram @liza_sargaeva

Instagram @liza_sargaeva

Instagram @liza_sargaeva

Instagram @bychkovi_design_interior

Instagram @rerooms_design

Instagram @yugatov_design

Instagram @my47home

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @andesign.studio

Instagram @domik_kissner

Instagram @domik_kissner

Instagram @domik_kissner

Instagram @dotspoints

Instagram @omniastudio

Box effect

If you want something more dramatic, you can go the other way.

Instagram @arhint.ru

For example, do not try to change the proportions or hide the real volumes of the room, but simply divert attention from them.

This design hack is suitable for apartments where there is a living room with large windows at the end of the hall. The essence of the reception is simple: the entrance area is decorated in dark colors without bright accents, and a person at the entrance sees natural light at the end of the corridor and instinctively moves there. Well, if the living room is not separated by a door at all, or the canvas will be with glass inserts.

Instagram @rerooms_design

The main thing is not to overload a small room and not clutter up an already narrow passage. To do this:

It's okay if at the planning stage the entrance area seems empty - in real life, the entrance hall will be filled with clothes, shoes, umbrellas, etc.

12
a photo

Instagram @anna_zueva_design

Instagram @arhint. ru

Instagram @omniastudio

Instagram @anna_zueva_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @rerooms_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @600sqftandababy

Instagram @demina_ksenia

Gloss and mirrors

In addition to light colors, glossy and mirror surfaces visually increase the area.

Instagram @atmosphera_interiors

Use them in the entrance area, but do not overdo it: if the floor, the ceiling, and the cabinet body shimmer, and all this is reflected in each other, the interior will look clumsy, and the colors will glare.

Striking a balance: let the glossy floor set off the matte plaster on the walls, or vice versa. There can be several mirrors (for example, full-length and on a wardrobe), but they should not be strictly opposite each other, otherwise the labyrinth effect will not be the most pleasant. If there is not enough light in the hallway, install a mirror at the end - this way it will reflect part of the living room with a window.

16
a photo

Instagram @rerooms_design

Instagram @poltavskaya_dizayn

Instagram @irooms.design

Instagram @irooms.design

Instagram @atmosphera_interiors

Instagram @atmosphera_interiors

Instagram @rerooms_design

Instagram @rerooms_design

Instagram @arhint.ru

Instagram @omniastudio

Instagram @buro9

Instagram @designer_vera_ganeeva

Instagram @designer_vera_ganeeva

Instagram @olina_kvartira

Instagram @katindsgn

Instagram @katindsgn

Tall openings

Narrow spaces seem disproportionate when unequal aspect ratio and wrong scale catch the eye.

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

This is easy to correct with the help of high doors - openings to the ceiling are just in trend now. You can add scale to them by decorating the wall around with moldings to match the finish - they will duplicate the contours of the opening, the canvas will seem larger than it is.

In order not to crush the space, take note of another trend of recent years - concealed doors, which are painted in the color of the finish. It is not necessary to completely mask them - let the borders be visible, but unobtrusively.

7
a photo

Instagram @koresckova_bella

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @irooms.design

Instagram @irooms.design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Zoning

If the entrance group is not quite tiny, zone it like any other rectangular room.

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

This is not only functional in terms of layout, but also helps the eye to find focus points and move between them, rather than wandering along the long monotonous surface of the walls.

With the help of different finishes, several colors, lighting and furniture, you can generally create the feeling that we are not in front of one elongated space, but several separate ones - just without doors.

7
a photo

Instagram @enjoy_home

Instagram @rerooms_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @rasulova.design

Instagram @mayav.interiors

Instagram @designcorner.spb

Instagram @designcorner.spb

Furniture by size

For small, elongated rooms, you will have to look for non-standard options.

Instagram @on_plane_design

Or make furniture to order - it will be more expensive, but often there are simply no other options. For example, if you need to design a narrow hallway with a wardrobe, the standard model will most likely not fit in depth.

A good option for limited footage - built-in systems from floor to ceiling. They compensate for the small depth of the cabinets and use the entire area of ​​​​the walls. Most often, vertical surfaces are empty or hung with paintings, although they can be used much more rationally.

eleven
a photo

Instagram @ointerior_design

Instagram @titova_design

Instagram @poltavskaya_dizayn

Instagram @rerooms_design

Instagram @olegkurgaev_design

Instagram @juliarodionova.design

Instagram @on_plane_design

Instagram @arhint.ru

Instagram @lavandainterior

Instagram @lavandainterior

Instagram @dariadesign. studio

Proper lighting

In a long hallway, it is important to provide several light sources so that there are no dark corners and sad shadows.

Instagram @bychkovi_design_interior

Use: